By ADAM CROWE
A Seat on the Aisle
The Phoenix Theatre (at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Center) is presenting its 16th version of founder Bryan Fonseca’s answer to traditional holiday entertainment. A Very Phoenix Xmas: It’s A Wonderful Die Hard Life Story Actually is the latest variation in a long line of holiday sketches, musical numbers, and edgy humor.
Culling scripts from submissions from various area writers, A Very Phoenix Xmas is a tradition intent on skewering other holiday traditions. If that sounds a bit meta, it’s really just a way to showcase local performers and writers making fun of December holiday tropes. This year’s theme is Holiday Movies and, as you can tell from the title, all the usual suspects are “present.”
Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com
As it does every year, the success of the show is dependent on the proper mix of good writing and strong performers. This year’s mix is supported by a cast of five who know exactly what they are doing. Matthew Altman, Devan Mathias, Paige Neely, Zachariah Stonerock, and Kelsey Van Voorst combine to pull laughs from expected targets, as well as a few unexpected ones (Rosemary’s Baby?). The cast is strong and nearly all of the writing is worthy of their talents. A running joke referencing It’s a Wonderful Life might not hold up as well without the amazing Jimmy Stewart presented by Stonerock. Overall, the show never wears out its welcome, though tighter pacing and scene changes couldn’t hurt.
Directed by Claire Wilcher, with the lighting design by Tim Dick and a truly wonderful set by Zac Hunter, A Very Phoenix Xmas: It’s A Wonderful Die Hard Life Story Actually also benefits from some terrific sound from Ben Dobler, who also worked with the director to produce some hilarious video moments. Writers include Bennett Ayres, Jeff Clawson, Mookie Harris, Steve Korbar, Mark Harvey Levine, Steve Moulds, Zack Neiditch, K.T. Peterson, and Director Wilcher. Monique Burts handled the costuming.
Bottom line: This version of an Indy Holiday tradition hits all the right comedy notes and the laughter it brings is indeed a balm in this year of turmoil.
A Very Phoenix Xmas: It’s A Wonderful Die Hard Life Story Actually runs at Phoenix Theater Cultural Center through Dec. 22. Tickets are available through the Phoenix website at PhoenixTheatre.org or by calling (317) 635-7529.
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